The Great Pyramid and great Sphinx in Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid . . . the great Sphinx . . . Giza, Egypt.  The Great Pyramid is the only surviving "wonder" of the original Seven Wonders of the World.  Located just outside of Cairo, Giza is a must see location.  You'll marvel at the massive sizes of these historical structures.  The exact building methods are still a mystery - even after all of these years of research.  Visit Egypt (http://www.egypt.travel/) and learn more.

Let us steer you . . .

      .  .  .  in the right direction .  .  .

      When planning your extended cruise or world cruise, the cruise line’s brochure should be the first document that you read thoroughly!

The Central Market in Hong Kong, China

By all means, visit the Central Market area in Hong Kong.  This market can be easily reached from the Financial District or from the Mid-Level Escalators.  A great time to visit is around 5:00 pm – you’ll see a lot of activity as people are leaving their offices and are buying food items for their evening meal.

Trip Saver Tip

      This could be a trip saver . . . 

When you’re packing, don’t forget the most important thing to take with you . . . a good attitude!!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sights you won’t want to miss:

• Make sure that you get up early to watch as you sail into Rio – you’ll pass right by Sugar Loaf Mountain and see the statue of The Christ will be lit! An absolutely amazing view!! One of the most beautiful harbors in all the world!

• Ride the funicular train to the top of Corcovado to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. The train goes through a rain forest and the views from the top of the mountain are spectacular.

• Ride the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain.

• View the city of Rio from Niteroi. Try and make it to the Parque da Cidade for some spectacular photograph opportunities. If you run short on time, visit the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum for a super view of Rio.

• Take the time to find Brazil Eu Te Amo Selaron Casa Da Escada.  The Selaron Stairs are finished in ceramic tiles. You’ve really got to see it to believe it and you may even see the artist – Selaron – working on his masterpiece.

Other Highlights

• Take in a Samba show.

• Take a walk along the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

• The quaint neighborhood of Little Portugal.

• The Forest of Tijuca

• Ride the streetcar in the Santa Teresa neighborhood

Movies to watch before you go:

• Rio – The Movie

• Flying Down to Rio

• Donald Duck Visits Copacabana – A Disney Classic on YouTube

Books to Read before you go:

• Brazil by John Updike

• A Death in Brazil: A Book of Omissions by Peter Robb

• Silence of the Rain by Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza

Foods to enjoy in Rio

• In Niteroi, try the Restaurante A Mineira – a buffet of a multitude of delicious typically Brazilian foods!  Or the Porcao Restaurant where you can sample all types of meats cooked over bar-b-ques.

• Enjoy seafood, beef and other native cuisines as well as foods from all over the world.

• Try the Brazilian beers — most have a German sounding name and are quite tasty!!

Friend in Rio:

• There’s just so much to see and do in Rio.  If you're looking for a great guide, we just happen to know one — Rafa Torres. Visit Rafa’s Travel Blog http://donrafaguestsinrio.blogspot.com and read more about Rafa's adventures in this awesome port of call!!

Sources:

• National Geographic Rio de Janeiro Guide

A Different Point of View . . .

    Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

Miriam Beard, Historian and Archivist